I have to believe that this dress is my punishment for not keeping to my 1940s dress hiatus. As the title says, I don’t want to talk about it. But I will.

This dress had such promise. I thought the pattern was really cute and I really liked the striped fabric I got at the expo. I had been wanting to do a striped bodice on the bias to get a chevron thing going on and it turned out really well. And then I made the rest of the dress.

There is so much I hate about this dress, let me count the ways:

The length is too short because I didn’t have enough fabric

The cuffed sleeves are a disaster, both in construction and in concept

Aww, it looks super good on the dressform! But the sleeves are not very flattering with the stripes when on :( Aside from the sleeves though, I think its very cute and salvageable :) Maybe for some extra inches you would get some black eyelet fabric and make a faux petticoat peaking out, and maybe some cap sleeves of the same fabric on top? I’m photoshop or doodle that idea at least…

I also hate when future projects have such potential in my daydreams, but the finished garment disappoints! If the stripes feel like too much, maybe turn it into a skirt to tone it down? The striped fabric itself is very cute with the red belt. Plus, you may be able to gain some length when cutting it down into a skirt… Don’t let the less-than-perfect projects get you down!

I agree, get rid o the sleeves, I wonder if you can add a black ruffle to the bottom to add length? I’m always taking away length, being the short one, so not too sure how things will look … but maybe you can cut the bodice off and add a black longer skirt, but use the stripes as trim on that?
Don’t worry though, you’re making terrific stuff!

I agree it would look better sleeveless, it seems like maybe it’s too big for you in the upper bust and you could still adjust that by taking out the sleeves. I think the length is ok, though I totally understand if you don’t think so. I don’t think a ruffle or lacy petticoat would go with those stripes – if you want to add length I think a contrasting band at the bottom would be really cute.

You just don’t like it because it’s different from what you typically wear/make.
I think you look very nice in sleeves AND that the length is very flattering. You don’t look exceptionally tall (this coming from a short person), so shorter skirts (within reason) give you a little more leg.
aside from the faulty cuffs….it’s lovely.

Ok, there is no way in heck I would waste matching up those stripes so artfully wwithout giving this dress another chance. Chop off the offending sleeves (they offend me too) add the black to the bottom, also maybe a black belt instead of the red one. This will work out! I also think removing those sleeves will bring the focus back to your face and will lift your up body visually-taller looking is what I am trying to say. Yep, your going to look HOT!

After your title and description I was expecting so much worse. I think it’s nice but it could use some adjustment. Changing the sleeves is the most important. Once you’ve done that you can reassess. The chevron is great and you don’t want to waste all that work. The stripes are very flattering.

I think chopping off the sleeves is a good way to go – those really are a whole lot! Great job on the chevron, and perhaps if the weather permits, a cardigan (belted on top) would tame the stripe a little?

Yep, take off those sleeves. With a wide black belt and matching shoes (I’m seeing cork wedges with black fabric uppers – amp up that 70s/40s vibe) you’ll see a world of difference. Also – a shorter-length necklace. The one that you’ve got on is draping on the chevron, which is lovely.

I think the dress is salvagable. I agree that a black belt would really work better. But yes, those cuffs need to go.
The length looks perfect to me though; this coming from a fellow shorty. I would not add on to the bottom of the skirt at all.

You could just wear a cute little cardigan after you chop off the sleeves then maybe add a few inches with a solid fabric or do the eyelet fabric at the bottom that was previously mentioned. Otherwise, it’s totally cute and can be salvaged.

While I don’t like the sleeves, I think the length is good on you. Cutting off the sleeves may improve it tremendously. I love the chevron detail, maybe the skirt in a contrasting color, or black next time. Good luck:)

Awww!! I’m so sorry you don’t like it! When I saw the pic of the dress on the dress form I thought it looked pretty bad, but I think it is actually cute on you!!!! The length is definitely pushing it, but maybe a cute eyelet on the bottom?
I also had a question, where do you find such amazing belts? They look so good with your dresses!

I like the idea of chopping the sleeves and putting a little black at the hem. You are a really good seamstress and have encouraged me to try making clothes for myself again. All I’ve done is sew for other people and make window treatments. From a woman who has been sewing for 42 years, thanks for the inspiration.

Don’t feel too bad. Everybody makes mistakes. I’ve made some horrible ones and then spent even more time trying to fix them. You could take off the sleeves and add a solid color band at the bottom to make it longer- maybe a red one, twice as wide as your belt. I agree the pattern had a lot of potential. Disappointing, but you are helping to teach and inspire a lot of people by sharing your journey.

About the Sew Weekly

The Sew Weekly began as Mena Trott's attempt to document the process of sewing all of her own clothes in 2010. In 2011, four other contributors (Debi Fry, Adey Lim, Veronica Darling & Sarah Gabbart) joined her and for 52 weeks, they sewed based on a particular weekly theme. In 2012, The Sew Weekly became a much larger group blog with over 130 contributors sewing along each week.